PHCCIMA Urges Rivers Government To Release N5B Promised
President of Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Engr. Emeka Unachukwu has urged the Rivers state government to do well and release the, N5 billion naira it promised the organized private sector and others for entrepreneurial development of the state during the first business round-table meeting held at the rivers state Government house between the organized private sector and the government earlier in the year.
Unachukwu who made this call during the official opening of the 9th Port Harcourt International Trade fair, said the call has become necessary as the fund if released will go a long way in alleviating some of the bottlenecks faced in the smooth development of entrepreneurship in the state.
Unachukwu who however commended the Gov. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi led administration over its effort in provision of Power said he is impressed with the state government whose effort in that sector shows that it has identified power as key to stimulating the economy of the state.
Meanwhile President of the Nigeria Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, NACCIMA, Alhaji Muhammad Badaru
Abubakar has made a case for the establishment of a trade fair complex in Port Harcourt.
Abubakar in his remark said it is regrettable that of all the state granted the franchise to organize international trade fairs like Enugu, Lagos, Kaduna, Abuja etc has well defined complex for organizing trade fairs except Port Harcourt that is yet to build it's own trade fair complex.
He called on the state government to make the establishment of a trade fair complex in the state a priority as trade fairs are key drivers for economic growth in our nation and hence cannot be over-emphasized.
The 9th Port Harcourt International Trade fair has been resounding success since it kicked off on the 18th of November 2013 and is said to have witnessed the highest turn out of exhibitors in the history of trade fairs.
The brand and stars event has also been phenomenal featuring the likes of music diva and Limpopo croney, KCEE, Plantain boy Timaya, Ekwe master among others.
The event will also witness a special concert dedicated to highlife legend, Cardinal Rex Jim Lawson on the 30th of November 2013 at the popular Isaac Boro park, venue of the trade fair, kids show among others.
Others who spoke at the opening ceremony include two former presidents of PHCCIMA, Elder Hyke Ochia and Godfrey Ohuabunwa including Governor of old Rivers state and Amanyanabo of Twon Brass, His Majesty King Alfred Diette Spiff. The governor of Rivers state was represented by the commissioner for commerce and industry, Hon. Chuma Chienye.